Module M03 - Fundamentals of Training Delivery and Facilitation

Unit M03U02 - Training Needs Assessment

Introduction

Through the description of a training needs assessment (TNA), this Unit gives guidance for planning a productive training event. Training on participatory geographic information systems (PGIS) is diverse and complex. The design of a training programme depends on the context in which the training is offered. TNA is used to identify difficulties in accomplishing the targeted jobs and to determine which difficulties are due to lack of training and which may be due to other factors (i.e. non-training needs). Thus TNA clarifies whether training is the solution to a problem. Trainers may decide how the factors described in this Unit are relevant for their TNA in a particular situation. Many possibilities exist for identifying training needs and selecting an appropriate one depends on many factors.

Unit objectives / expected outcomes

After the completion of the Unit the trainee will be able to:

discuss the relevance of TNA;

adjust the approach of TNA to the training situation and select appropriate TNA methods;

Approach of TNA: brainstorming with flipchart on: "What approaches of TNA can we apply?" (Exercise No.1 in M03U01; This is the same exercise as before, using a different question) (20 min), followed by (PPT No. 1, Slides 12 – 21) (20 min)

Semi-structured interviewing: brainstorming with flipchart on: "How would you conduct a semi-structured interview?" (Exercise No.1 in M03U01; This is the same exercise as before, using a different question) (20 min) followed by (PPT No. 1, Slides 22 – 24 and Handout for Trainee, Section 3) (20 min)